Torque free asymmetric gradient coils for echo planar imaging.

In this work, we present a new torque-free asymmetric gradient coil that is capable of generating high quality axial, sagittal, and coronal echo planar images of the human head. This gradient set was calculated using the Biot-Savart law and least square approaches to optimize the field in the region of interest and to minimize net torques. The resulting structure has excellent shoulder-to-coil clearance and, as such, has the advantage of providing good patient access to the linear portion of the gradient while minimizing patient discomfort from claustrophobia.